Social media is buzzing with reactions to the five-year jail term handed out to Indian actor Salman Khan on May 6 for killing one person and injuring four others in a drink-driving accident in Mumbai 13 years ago.
Many Bollywood stars took to Twitter to express their shock at the sentence, and to voice their support for the 49-year-old.
Some, such as veteran actress Hema Malini, avoided being drawn into commenting on the verdict and punishment, instead expressing her affection and sympathy for the actor.
Others, such as Farah Khan Ali, celebrity jewellery designer and sister of actor Zayed Khan, criticised the verdict and “harsh sentencing” with outrageous tweets that quickly drew scorn and contempt.
Here are some of the most notable Twitter reactions:
Designer Farah Khan Ali – @FarahKhanAli
The govt should be responsible for housing ppl. If no 1was sleeping on d road in any other country Salman wuld not have driven over anybody.
It’s like penalising a train driver because someone decided to cross the tracks and got killed in the bargain.
No one should be sleeping on the road or footpath. It is dangerous to do that just like it is dangerous to cross tracks.
Bollywood singer Abhijeet – @abhijeetsinger
Those who sleep on the road like dogs will die a dog’s death. The roads are not owned by the fathers of poor people. I was homeless a year and never slept on the road.
Come out fraternity, support @BeingSalmanKhan boldly not hypocriticly. Roads footpath r not meant 4 sleeping, not driver’s or alcohol’s fault
Actress Alia Bhatt – @aliaa08
It hurts when your own are punished, even if they are in the wrong. We love you and are standing by you
Actress Sonakshi Sinha – @sonakshisinha
Terrible news. Dnt knw wht to say except tht will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what. Hes a good man and no 1 can tk tht away frm him.
Actress Parineeti Chopra – @ParineetiChopra
Hurts to think of what could happen. We will always be with you. Hope the judge sees the beauty of a human being that Salman Khan is.
Actor Arjun Kapoor – @arjunk26
It doesn’t matter what anyone or any court says, he doesn’t deserve this at any level ... will stand by @BeingSalmanKhanno matter what...
Model and reality television star Pooja Misrra – @SpareMeSaysPM
Just bcoz @BeingSalmanKhan’s d superstar, d court cannot slaughter him just 2 set an example! Dey cannot overlook all his humanitarian acts!
Actress Bipasha Basu – @bipsluvurself
@BeingSalmanKhan is the nicest human being in this business. Wish all our Prayers and love, help him in this difficult time. Deeply saddened.
Pritam Singh – @iampritampyaare
Sad sad sad he is paying the prize [sic] of being a star..
Actress Sushmita Sen – @thesushmitasen
There is an enormous difference between being a criminal and being human. True justice is then served. Keep d faith... and Prayers n strength 4 my friend @BeingSalmanKhan n his family. Harsh sentencing doesn’t mean justice. Must appeal. Deeply saddened.
Actor Siddhanth Kapoor – @SiddhanthKapoor
All my good wishes and love to you bhai @BeingSalmanKhan
Filmmaker Farah Khan – @TheFarahKhan
In Dubai. But thoughts n prayers are still in Mumbai with @BeingSalmanKhan n his family.
Actor Varun Dhawan – @Varun_dvn
My prayers are with @BeingSalmanKhan and his family who I know love this country and respect its judiciary.
artslife@thenational.ae
